What is the point of them having the Freedom of the Borough when the soldiers can’t even get a drink in a pub in the town?

Denise Coe

Troops from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, which has had 16 men killed in Afghanistan, were turned away from the pub after a homecoming parade.

They had just been cheered through the streets of Romford, Essex, by family and friends after completing a six-month tour in the war- torn country.

The incident came as Britain prepares to mark Remembrance Sunday tomorrow, honouring the millions of servicemen killed fighting for Queen and country.

Outraged Christine Clark, 70, was with her grandson, who is in the regiment, when they tried to get served in The Bull pub. She said: “When we went in they told my grandson and his friends they are not allowed to serve squaddies.

“When my daughter asked if she could buy the drink for them they told her they are not allowed in. I felt so embarrassed.”

The 600-strong battle-weary unit, known as The Vikings, had just been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Havering for their bravery. Denise Coe, whose son serves in the Royal Anglians, said: “I think it was absolutely disgusting and they should all be ashamed.

“What is the point of them having the Freedom of the Borough when the soldiers can’t even get a drink in a pub in the town?”

Last night a spokesman for the pub admitted that the soldiers had been banned.

He apologised and claimed the incident was a “a mistake” by staff.

The spokesman added: “We absolutely welcome the armed forces into The Bull and we apologise for any offence caused to the soldiers.”

Today the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance will be held at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring performances from Rod Stewart, 67, Alexandra Burke, 24, and the Military Wives’ Choir.

The Queen will lead the tributes at the Cenotaph in Whitehall in central London tomorrow.